Groundbreaking deal will let you watch Netflix on Dish set-top boxes

It looks like Dish has become the first pay TV provider to normalize relations with Netflix. Dish announced on Wednesday that its subscribers will now be able to watch Netflix via an app on its second-generation Hopper set-top boxes.

“As the first major pay-TV provider in the U.S. to add the Netflix app to its set-top box, Dish strengthens an already robust video entertainment experience for its customers,” explains Bill Holmes, Netflix’s global head of business development.”Many households subscribe to both Netflix and a traditional pay-TV service. Our vast library of TV shows and movies, combined with DISH’s lineup of live television content, gives customers easy access to a wide variety of complementary programming.”

Dish’s Hopper set-top box is most notable for its ability to let you automatically skip through commercials on major network TV shows. Last week Dish announced it was adding new features that would make it easier for Hopper users to binge watch their favorite shows and to more easily add closed captioning to whatever they’re watching.

Now that Netflix and Dish have broken down this particular barrier, it wouldn’t be surprising to see other pay TV providers doing the same thing in the near future.

Check out Dish’s full press release below.

DISH first major US pay-TV provider to integrate Netflix

· App available today on second-generation Hopper® Whole-Home HD DVR

· Integration streamlines customers’ video entertainment experience

ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Dec. 17, 2014 – DISH today became the first major pay-TV provider in the U.S. to integrate the Netflix app into its set-top box. Available on DISH’s second-generation Hopper, the app gives customers the ability to instantly stream Netflix movies and TV shows, including “House of Cards” and “Orange is the New Black,” from the same platform used to access their linear television channels. The Netflix app will rollout to DISH customers throughout the day.

“Pairing Netflix with Hopper represents the consolidation of two incredible video experiences,” said Vivek Khemka, DISH senior vice president of product management. “This app integration eliminates the need to switch television inputs to access content on varying devices. It gives our customers easy access to their favorite shows and movies, on both DISH and Netflix, without ever having to leave their Hopper.”

“As the first major pay-TV provider in the U.S. to add the Netflix app to its set-top box, DISH strengthens an already robust video entertainment experience for its customers,” said Bill Holmes, global head of business development at Netflix. “Many households subscribe to both Netflix and a traditional pay-TV service. Our vast library of TV shows and movies, combined with DISH’s lineup of live television content, gives customers easy access to a wide variety of complementary programming.”

Hopper customers will find the same Netflix user interface found on most other platforms. The app is easily accessible from any channel by clicking the blue button on the DISH remote and selecting the Netflix icon, or from the Netflix icon on the Hopper main menu. Those new to Netflix can create an account in the app or by visiting http://www.netflix.com/dish.

The Netflix app is currently available on all broadband-connected second-generation Hopper set-top boxes. In the coming months, DISH expects the app to rollout to Joey, Super Joey and Wireless Joey clients. Additionally, in the future, titles available on Netflix could be integrated into the search functionality across live, recorded and Video On Demand programs for both the Hopper as well as DISH’s forthcoming OTT service.